Instagram, Selfies and everything social in a Supermommy's Life!

We took a weekend trip to a beautiful resort located at the outskirts' of Bangalore. This was a gorgeous place with colors of spring all around us. Once I was done clicking some beautiful pics of the place, my 4yr old with a casual attitude checks if I have sent the pics to the family Whatsapp group or uploaded it on my Instagram. With disbelief bordering on shock I wondered whether I was raising a social media savvy kid and How much has social media impacted our life!! For a parent Social media is a boon in many ways. 

With the rise of nuclear families, young parents find it easy and convenient to seek help from like minded couples who have been there & still doing that. Being a part of WhatsApp mom groups, Facebook moms and parent group is such an important part of our life as parents. Its a go -to when you need that timely advice, which is helpful especially during odd hours where getting a doctor would take time. Also the knowledge that another mother is going through this or has experienced something similar assures you that you aren't alone.  

But for a child the impact of social media plays out quite differently. For kids below the age of 6 social media may seem like a norm. Whether it's recording Dubsmash videos with parents, or seeing their pics on their parents Instagram or Facebook to watching cartoons or nursery rhymes on YouTube all seems nothing out of the ordinary to them. For example my daughter loves to Skype with her Uncle in the US. We also send out voice recordings of her birthday wishes to cousins, uncles and aunt we don't meet regularly. These are few social media tools that we as parents have unconsciously introduced her too.  

Though for  tweens and teens social media is such important part of their social structure.Kids this age use social media to stay connected with their peer group. Social media platforms like Whatsapp are created on common interest like dance, theatre or even on a project. Facebook to has closed groups that are formed based on similar likes and tastes. 

Latest craze amongst youngsters and young adults are following Vlogs of people on YouTube who dedicate their channel on a particular interest which can range from baking, learning a new language, makeup, critic reviews on TV series to even DIY projects. This is something that my daughter can take advantage of once she reaches that age i.e. using this medium to enhance her creativity and increase her knowledge . She already requests me to show videos on things she learns at school for example the solar system, how does rocket work, to simple topics like wild animals. 

Social media tools help introverted kids to interact with the peer group than a one-on-one situation.Using social media constantly can negatively influence young minds. They are susceptible to cyber-bullying, sexting, Facebook depression, body image insecurity etc. All these if left unchecked can lead to serious depression, isolation and even suicidal tendencies.Social media can be addictive, young kids are obsessed with the constant need to check their Facebook, Instagram and Twitter accounts. 

The 'likes' one gets in their pics or how many of their friends are following them on Instagram seem to be play a very important role in being accepted among the peer group. Such compulsive checking can disrupt their concentration with school work, sports, recreation activities that they should be pursing at this age. 

 Also many social media tools display various ads in form banners, behavioral ads and also demographic ads targeted at certain age, gender etc. This influences adolescents buying behavior and what they perceive as normal. It's important to educate parents, adolescents and children about how ads can easily manipulate them. Teaching them to be media-literate and responsible consumers is essential.When it comes to  parenting how much social media has impacted us solely depends on how we as parents use it. 

Whether we are sharing information of our child we are genuinely proud off  to random, everyday mundane stuff that happens in every household is our call to make. Also there are couples who wish their spouses on their special days like anniversaries, birthdays on Facebook and I can't fathom the fact these are people who live together and see each other daily, yet yearn to use an App to convey their feelings. 

Is this what we want our children to learn and practice as well!!Do keep in mind, with power comes great responsibility we are responsible for the kind of digital footprint we leave in this world. Once on the internet forever on the Internet!  Social media today has revolutionized the way we connect as humans with our world, using it to our advantage and to enhance our learning and knowledge is the quintessence that is needed.

A lot of people use social media to share mundane things or for self-glorification. I try to use it to share interesting things with people. Ashton Kutcher
Read more at: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/a/ashtonkutc569069.html?src=t_social_media

A lot of people use social media to share mundane things or for self-glorification. I try to use it to share interesting things with people. Ashton Kutcher
Read more at: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/a/ashtonkutc569069.html?src=t_social_media

A lot of people use social media to share mundane things or for self-glorification. I try to use it to share interesting things with people. Ashton Kutcher
Read more at: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/a/ashtonkutc569069.html?src=t_social_media

A lot of people use social media to share mundane things or for self-glorification. I try to use it to share interesting things with people. Ashton Kutcher
Read more at: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/a/ashtonkutc569069.html?src=t_social_media